Obama gives supporters a tearful thank you

President Barack Obama wiped away tears as he thanked supporters the day after elections for all their hard work in the past year.

The president made a surprise visit to his Chicago campaign office Wednesday to show appreciation to campaign staffers and volunteers.

In a five-minute video released by his campaign yesterday, the president shares the story of how he moved to Chicago at 25 years old, knowing he wanted to make a difference but not knowing where or how to start. It was as a community organizer for several south side churches that Obama learned about “the grit and resilience of ordinary people.”

He said he also learned how to work with others for a common purpose and how to deal with disappointment when it happened.

“I grew up,” Obama told the crowd. “I became a man during that process.”

He praised the campaigners for all they’ve accomplished, comparing his story to theirs.

“You’re smarter and you’re better organized. You’re more effective and I’m absolutely confident that all of you are going to do amazing things in your lives,” he said.

But it’s when he recounted election night that the president became emotional. He said that he knew regardless of the results, that his work had “come full circle.”

“What you guys have done means that the work that I’m doing is important,” he said tearfully. “And I’m really proud of that. I’m really proud of all of you.”

The audience applauded loudly as the president paused to wipe his eyes, and as he finished his speech, he reminded the group that their journey was only beginning.

“You’re just starting and whatever good we do over the next four years will pale in comparison to what you guys end up accomplishing for years and years to come.”